It’s a world where wars are fought over differences in belief, and wearing the wrong designer label can get you ostracised in the playground. Where speaking with a certain accent can cause people’s noses to turn up, and the wrong make of car can lose you a business deal.
With all our quirks and idiosyncrasies, can we ever really get along with others?
He likes espresso, you prefer a milky tea. He thinks that your CD collection is awful, yet he expects you to listen to his at ear-drum-shattering volume. He loves that you love football, but can’t stand your choice of team.
What draws us to another person, is it the similarities or the differences? Have you ever been introduced to a person and been mildly surprised, or even shocked, at their choice of partner? You’re not the only one, and perhaps that answers the first question. If we examine our lives closely we find that we thrive on differences, and that we actively seek out those who disagree with us, or just cause us to roll our eyes in disgust.
We love our friends, but that doesn’t mean that we all come from the same mould. Differences in opinion keep conversation, and relationships, from stagnating. Ever started arguing the merits of something with a friend and then wondered where the last four hours have gone? Conversely, ever been on a date with someone who agrees with your every word and then spent the duration of the evening glancing at your watch and wondering at what point you can decently excuse yourself and go home?
Differences give us the impetus to go on – if they weren’t there then we’d slowly go insane. Yet differences can still cause trouble – why do differences make individuals closer, but cause great rifts between nations?
If I could answer that question then I’d be up for the Pulitzer Peace Prize. As I’m just a humble columnist I’ll leave that to someone else. Any volunteers?
25/02/2004 ©
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